well, it's a race but i don't think it's no smiles and whatnot. i've never done any of them but i watched the chorlton rounds in previous series (and should be heading over tonight) and it looks like most people are enjoying it rather than taking it (and themselves) super seriously!

I organised Haigh Hall and the emphasis on these races is enjoyment. We had a massively varied field at Haigh and the biggest entry so far on what was a new venue. The banter is always good and whilst the front lads are quick, there are only a handful.

Traditionally this round is well attended which may be down to the efforts of Manchester Wheelers/ Fosters cycles. 2 Skiffle bands were in attendance last year and beer for all competitors.

Well what a good laugh last night was, though my arm is leaking white stuff from a slight tumble on the last lap! I didn't really the pace some people can do, full respect! A 150mm steel hardtail is probably not suited to this event!!! Who was taking the pictures?

there were 3 lads who seemed to be loads faster than everyone else there, it was silly really!
anyway, good night (although i wasn't riding), and ace to have an XC race that's 10 minutes walk from my house.

angry dog walkers, local drunks

those were brought in from outside the area especially for the race; we never see them normally around the water park. honest.

there were 3 lads who seemed to be loads faster than everyone else there, it was silly really!

In the Enthusiasts or the racers? I was in the former and didn't find it like that at all. A really good number of battles throughout and quite a bit of tactics on a fast course like that.
Quite often you get a few people who shoot off the front by end up fading in a few laps time, by which time you've caught or been caught by so many people you've lost track. Trying to keep a high pace up is the key.

I was chatting with someone who was just passing by, saw the event and thought he'd have a go. Which I thought was great and just what the series is all about.

I'm sure that drunk bloke with a dog turns up at every race around Greater Manchester to cause trouble.

In the Enthusiasts or the racers? I was in the former and didn't find it like that at all. A really good number of battles throughout and quite a bit of tactics on a fast course like that.
Quite often you get a few people who shoot off the front by end up fading in a few laps time, by which time you've caught or been caught by so many people you've lost track. Trying to keep a high pace up is the key.

no idea what cat they were in as i was spectating rather than racing, just from a spectator's point of view (at the top of a couple of the climbs) they seemed to be flying compared to everyone else!